OSHA Enforcement Depends on the Work Activity
Generally, when considering enforcement of safety on deck barges, the applicable OSHA standard depends on the work activity taking place. For example, a vessel may be loading and unloading cargo at a marine terminal while at the same time the vessel is undergoing ship repairs. OSHA would enforce safety as follows:
- The cargo handling work activity shore-side is regulated by the Marine Terminals Standards (29 CFR Part 1917) and on the vessel (ship) by the Longshoring Standards (29 CFR Part 1918).
- However, the work activity for the vessel repairs are regulated by the Shipyard Employment Standards (29 CFR Part 1915), even though the repairs are being conducted at a marine terminal instead of a shipyard facility.
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Enforcement
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has authority over the loading/unloading of coal or other minerals into/out-of barges or vessels in the extraction, preparation, or milling process.
MSHA does not have authority once the vessel is loaded/unloaded and is underway. Likewise, MSHA authority extends to barges and vessels used in mineral dredging operations, such as mining sand and gravel from underwater deposits, and includes the loading/unloading of such barges/vessels.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-4. Generally, when considering enforcement of safety on deck barges, the applicable OSHA standard depends on _____.
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